10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
83,508 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Toyota Sequoia brakes problems

brakes problem

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2003 Toyota Sequoia Owner Comments (Page 1 of 8)

problem #158

Jul 212020

Sequoia

  • 237,649 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I took my Sequoia to have an airbag recall fixed and a recall that has something to do with the skid control module before I took it to have these recalls done my 2 vsc lights (vsc off light and vsc trac light) on the dash were on and so was the engine light I thought maybe the skid control recall would fix the vsc light but now both of the vsc lights are still on and my brake light is now also coming on when I start my vehicle when this happens my brake power is diminished and my vehicle shakes bad when hitting my brakes to slow down to make a turn or just to slow down in general at a stop light or stop sign this happens on the highway or wherever I'm driving my vehicle at the time but as long as the vsc lights and the brake light aren't all lit up on my dashboard at the same time my brakes aren't as diminished but both of the vsc lights stay on and my vehicle still shakes when I'm slowing down to make a turn. Also when both of the vsc lights are on along with the brake light my vehicle wants to spin the back tires when I'm taking off from a dead stop I have to let off the gas completely for a second then proceed.

- Millers Creek, NC, USA

problem #157

Nov 152019

Sequoia

  • 170,000 miles
Trac off vsc trac off lights illuminate. Seems to be faulty sensor. Brake light periodically comes on with no issue with brakes. Brakes have been replaced and everything checked. On 2 occasions when the brake light is on, the antiskid control activates when the car is going less than 30 mph slowing down for a turn. The car is hard to control and shakes. After the car is turned off for awhile the brake light does not illuminate the next time you drive but will come back on randomly. Trac off and vsc trac lights illuminate are on.

- Oviedo, FL, USA

problem #156

Feb 142004

Sequoia

  • 900 miles
My vsc/vtc lights have been on since I have owned my vehicle. I also have a brake light that comes on constantly. I am only able to reset the brake light by turning off my vehicle and restarting. I have replaced all 4 rotors, calipers and fuel lines more than 3 times since buying the truck new. Brake pads are changed in the front tires continuously! there is a serious problem with the brake system in this truck! I was told by many mechanics that the only way to get the skid control / traction control lights to turn off is to have Toyota figure out what is wrong with the brake system in the Sequoia's. also, I believe there should be another way to open the back hatch to this vehicle other than the plastic handle on the outside which breaks repeatedly!! if there were an emergency on the inside of the truck and the only exit were the rear of the vehicle, there is no way to open the rear tail gate from inside!!! once that stupid plastic handle on the outside of the vehicle breaks, you cannot open the rear hatch on the Sequoia!! it becomes a death trap in the third row seating area!!

- Haverhill, MA, USA

problem #155

Oct 142018

Sequoia

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2003 Sequoia got vsc off, vsc trac, and brake indications in the cockpit again since the problem was fixed by replacing the sensors at dealer few years ago. Very disappointing. I don't know if Toyota has ever since recall in 2010.

- Victoria, TX, USA

problem #154

Aug 042018

Sequoia

  • 215,000 miles
Vsc, check engine, brake lights keep coming on. No traction control when button pushed. Driving highway speed traction control beeps when not even appropriate. Have had several times trying to brake, no brakes light comes on almost crashed due to no brakes! I have researched recall my VIN# not listed. This is ridiculous! unsafe! Toyota needs to recall more vehicles. Not a happy Toyota consumer!

- Lake Havasu City, AZ, USA

problem #153

Jul 172018

Sequoia

  • 820 miles
Vsc and ABS lights have been on and stability control is off. This has been in this state for several years and I have had several unsuccessful interactions with Toyota regarding repairing under the recall. My car was manufactured in May. The recall only covers cars manufactured through April. Having worked in a Toyota plant for 5 years, I know that it is very possible that the defective parts could be in the plant several months past April. Yesterday, my braking system was not operating properly. The ABS was activating randomly, when driving at slow and highway speeds, and the car was not reacting normally to the accelerator pedal.. I took the car to a mechanicm. The troubleshooting codes had to due with the stability control computer.

- Hayward, CA, USA

problem #152

Apr 142018

Sequoia

  • 163,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Sequoia. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle inadvertently pulled to the left. In addition, the traction control and stability control warning indicators illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and the engine was turned off. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the contact's residence. The contact mentioned that the warning indicators were not illuminated when the vehicle was restarted. The dealer (Toyota of the shoals, S 5100, us-43, tuscumbia, al 35674) informed the contact that he would be responsible for the diagnostic fees. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 10V176000 (electronic stability control, traction control), but the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 163,000.

- Florence, AL, USA

problem #151

Jul 012017

Sequoia

  • 223,465 miles
The trac light and vsc light are on which caused the check engine light to come on. I have had to replace the brakes and rotors at least every 3 months since this has occurred. I was driving one day and the truck somewhat decelerated to almost an sudden stop and those two above light engaged as well as the check engine light. These lights have been on since July 2017. I have called the toyato recall center and there are no recalls listed for this vehicle's VIN number. The toyato dealdhip wants to charge me $114 for diagnostic testing which right now I can not afford. I am purchasing this vehicle used and I am still making payments on it on and every time I have brakes and rotors replaced it's abot $365 a pop. Please advise. I have researched this issue and found it a very come defect on this particular vehicle and it needs to be around before an accident occurs and costs someone their life or others their lives.

- Erwin, NC, USA

problem #150

Oct 112017

Sequoia

  • 200,000 miles
So many problems with this vehicle, and a major problem not only with this vehicle but other years and models as well the paint bubbling and coming off the vehicle especially hood area and top of vehicle, has to be bad paint Toyota is using

- Moundville, AL, USA

problem #149

Aug 142016

Sequoia

  • 108,800 miles
I went outside and turned the car on and noticed that the ABS, vsc off, and vsc trac dashboard lights came on and did not turn off. I drove the vehicle around the block and the lights remained on. This is a known manufacturer defect with the computer that controls the ABS / vsc trac system on the 2003 Sequoia. I have had the computer modules replaced for this issue before and 60,000 miles later the same parts have gone out again. It is unsafe to drive an SUV with the vehicle skid control and ABS systems not functioning.

- Salem, OR, USA

problem #148

Aug 012016

Sequoia

  • 163,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Skid control ECU issue...my 2003 recently started having a failure in the ECU and causing the vehicle's brakes to go into ABS mode randomly during acceleration and not stop properly when applying the brakes. The brake light, vsc off and trac off all go off and the brakes go out and almost cause me to wreck. I have read online that this has been an on-going issue with this vehicle, and I'm curious what Toyota is doing or not doing to fix this. I had the ECU recall "software upgrade" back in 2011. They only warrantied the work for 1 year, well now my computer is failing and replacement is $1500. This is a formal complaint because it seems that I could have had a replacement ECU years ago and I wasn't informed

- Knoxville, TN, USA

problem #147

Jul 312016

Sequoia

  • 180,000 miles
My vsc off and vsc trac lights popped on simultaneously with my check engine light, while traveling on straight, paved highway at about 55 mph, for no apparent reason. I was not braking when all lights suddenly appeared. I was cruising comfortably at highway speeds on straight, flat, paved road. I have read countless other complaints filed by other Toyota owners with the exact problem. My mechanic explained this can be very hazardous as this system cannot be disabled. So, these lights may pop on and off, and the vsc system may spontaneously engage without my knowledge or control, and this can greatly affect acceleration and cause accidents. I haven't done anything operationally to cause these lights to come on and I feel Toyota should accept responsibility for this defect which could have very strong safety implications.

- Appleton, WI, USA

problem #146

May 162016

Sequoia

  • miles
I just had to spend over 1,200 to have this repaired as my local Toyota dealership insisted it was routine ear and tear. My breaks would not work, and I just had new ones put on 09/2015, and the vsp light kept coming on and off. The car jumps, and something has not been right. I almost hit someone and had to use the emergency break to stop!

- Orange, CA, USA

problem #145

Aug 312015

Sequoia

  • 190,000 miles
I have a notice for revision "safety recall dsf". the recall says I need to bring in for air bag replacment for passanger front seats. So August 31,2015 I took my Sequoia to Toyota of knoxville tn. Off of parkside dr. It was looked over and I was told they needed to order parts and I would be called for the repairs once the parts came in to schedule an appointment. It is now May 23,2016 and I have not been contacted for repairs to be completed. Also the trac control button stopped working and lights on the dash. Was there a recal for this also?

- Walland, TN, USA

problem #144

Apr 012016

Sequoia

  • 167,000 miles
Hello, I have a 2003 Toyota sequioa where the engine light and the vcs lights are both on. I saw on your page some really helpful information on this make/model recall. I've reached out to Toyota customer service because there was a recall on this make/model but they said that my VIN number was not part of that recall, even though it's having the same issues?? the recall was that Toyota had to replace the skid control engine control unit (ECU) and upgrade program logic in its vehicle stability control (vcs) system. I took my vehicle in to get it inspected and they provided me with 3 codes: C1203 - engine control system communication circuit malfunction C1360 - vehicle skid control master pressure sensor malfunction P0420 - catalyst system efficiency below threshold these are all system issues. Can you help me?

- Sun Prairie, WI, USA

problem #143

Jan 122016

Sequoia

  • 272,590 miles
While I was driving at an approximate speed of 40 mph, I noticed my brake, trac off, vsc trac, engine light all came on at once. I noticed that braking was not as responsive (increased braking distance; ABS doesn't seem to be engaging) and when speeding to over 50 mph, the vehicle feels as if it is slowing itself down. It is currently an expected heavy rainfall season where I am and having the vehicle in this state is very dangerous especially when the brakes are not working effectively or when it starts to slow itself down suddenly. After shutting the vehicle down and restarting it after about 2 hours, the lights mentioned are still illuminated except the brake light. After reading all the other similar complaints, I am surprised Toyota is not paying for all aspects of this defect associated with the vehicle and not driver misuse.

- Northridge, CA, USA

problem #142

Jun 292011

Sequoia

  • miles
Vehicle stability control (vsc), traction control (trac), and antilock brake system (ABS) dash lights continuously illuminated indicating that all systems are off or malfunctioning. Can confirm that the trac, vsc, and ABS are inactive all or most of the time. The ABS intervenes at random under normal braking conditions without cause at low speed (less than 20mph) and makes braking difficult and inconsistent in conditions where ABS is not normally needed. In that situation the brake pedal becomes hard to depress and braking force is inconsistently applied with little control given to the operator in turn extending the braking distance without due cause or warning. After much research online I have found numerous reports stating identical and/or similar observations and experiences. It is my opinion that the problem lies in the vsc control module, a known problematic component on this generation of Sequoia and more specifically model year 2003 vehicles. A recall for the vsc system was issued in April/May 2010 upgrading the control logic of the vsc system in certain model year 2003 vehicles. Let it be known that the vehicle in question had the recall work done in June of 2011 which did not remedy the issue as it has been either intermittent or constant since then.

- Apple Valley, CA, USA

problem #141

Jul 102008

Sequoia

  • 89,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that the vsc skid control warning light, ABS warning light, and service stability traction control warning light randomly kept illuminating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who reflashed the ECU, but the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer several times and they did not address the recall repair since mid 2008 to 2015. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for further inspection and diagnostic testing. The vehicle was also included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V286000 (air bags) and was waiting for the part from the dealer to receive the recall repair appointment. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.

- Danbury, TX, USA

problem #140

Sep 082010

Sequoia

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Sequoia. While driving at an unknown speed, the warning lights for the ABS, traction control, and bsc illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the skit control needed to be reprogrammed. Also, the ECU and the translate computer assembly needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 10V176000 (electronic stability control, traction control system); however, the part needed was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000.

- Manalapan, NJ, USA

problem #139

Jan 012015

Sequoia

  • 217,995 miles
I purchased a used 2003 Toyota Sequoia in April 2014. Since that time, the vehicle stability control system vsc) activates randomly causing the anti-lock brakes to be applied at random. This was a minor annoyance at first but soon became a regular occurrence. When inclement weather hit in December 2014 this vehicle was unstable to drive in even light snow; even when I had it in 4 wheel drive. In January 2015, it was snowing and there was approximately 2 inches of snow on the road and the vehicle spun out of control into the opposite lane. It was late at night so there were no other cars on the road. The vehicle continued to slide intermittently on the rest of the drive home. The thing is that this vehicle has off-road tires and this combined with the 4 wheel drive system should make it extremely stable in any weather. In February 2015, my wife was driving with our children and the vehicle's brakes locked up in the middle of a two-way stop preventing it from moving forward. There were other vehicles approaching at a high rate of speed and they had to stop to prevent a collision. A question: What if there was snow on the road at that time? I April had my Sequoia looked at by vanderstyne Toyota in rochester NY and they found that the yaw rate senor had a short resulting in constant application of the vsc system and quoted me $660 to "fix" the issue. I proceeded to research this issue on the net and it appears to be widespread with owners of Toyota Sequoias, siennas and some 4 runners. And many of the owners who had the yaw rate sensor replaced continued to have the same issue. I will not have this work done if there is not a guarantee that it will fix it and the dealership would not guarantee this 100%. this is serious safety issue and I am in the process of filing a complaint with Toyota, BBB and the New York state attorney general office.

- Hilton , NY, USA

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